As a resident of Detroit, you may not always need to go to Tahiti or anywhere far away for vacation. Sometimes you just want to leave the city for the weekend and relax somewhere else without spending an arm and a leg on airfare. That’s why you can pick from the following destinations from around the country that are close enough so you won’t be away from home too long but far enough away that they feel like an adventure.
1. Chicago, Illinois
If you’re looking to get away but don’t want to travel too far, then you could take a train from Detroit to Chicago. This city is one of the most popular in the United States and is known for having great shopping and dining options, as well as nightlife and entertainment. Chicago also has a lot going on during the day with museums and historical sites all around town. Whether visiting Navy Pier or checking out Millennium Park, there’ll always be something fun to do in this big city.
2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a popular weekend getaway destination for people in the Detroit area. Some of the best attractions are the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, and The Andy Warhol Museum. There are also many great restaurants, bars, shopping, and museums to enjoy while visiting.
3. Mackinac Island, Michigan
Pack your bags for a visit to Mackinac Island, Michigan. This quaint island is just an hour away from Detroit and is known for its historical architecture and natural beauty.
It’s a smaller landmass located in Lake Huron. It’s also home to many 19th-century buildings built by French settlers, including Fort Mackinac (which houses a museum) and more than 10 hotels that have been present since the late 1800s.
There are plenty of things to do in this small space, including horseback riding through the forested areas surrounding it or taking in views of Lake Huron from atop Mount Franklin Park. There are also plenty of shops where you can get souvenirs and gifts for friends back home (or yourself). You can even rent bikes or go kayaking around town.
4. Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City, Michigan, is about an hour and a half from Detroit with no traffic. It’s a popular summer destination for Michiganders, but it has so much more to offer that people don’t realize.
There are many wineries around Traverse City, making it an even more exciting place to visit. In the winter months, there are many trails to go hiking on and snowshoeing in the forests surrounding Traverse City. You could check out Mount Holiday if you want something more challenging.
5. Hamilton Pool, Austin Texas
Hamilton Pool is a natural pool in the Texas Hill Country that was formed by erosion from a limestone hillside. The pool is fed by underground springs and is surrounded by cliffs and limestone formations. The park has been open since 1945 and attracts nearly 100,000 visitors yearly. This makes Hamilton Pool one of the top tourist attractions near Austin TX.
6. Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck, a small town on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Midwest. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and sandy dunes, but Saugatuck also has plenty to offer in terms of shopping and dining. It has become a popular weekend getaway spot for Chicagoans looking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life.
You can find some excellent restaurants (and even better desserts) in this coastal town. You’ll be able to enjoy fresh seafood before taking a stroll down their beautifully restored main drag or stopping into one of many shops that line your walk back to your hotel room.
7. Sandusky, Ohio
Sandusky, Ohio, is a great weekend getaway for families looking for fun things to do. It’s also close to other popular destinations like Cedar Point and FireKeepers Casino, so you can spend the day in Sandusky and then head out to another destination in the evening. In addition to being family-friendly, there are plenty of things for adults too.
Sandusky has many types of activities that will appeal to both kids and adults alike. If your kids love animals, then they’ll love visiting the Great Lakes Science Center, which features an aquarium with over 100 species, including stingrays, sea turtles, and sharks. There’s also an IMAX theater where they can ride on a virtual roller coaster or go on an underwater adventure at sea diving school.
For adults who want something more exciting, you’ll find plenty of activities here as well. You can take advantage of their trail system by biking through scenic views around town or stopping by one of their many beaches, where you’ll be able to see some amazing views while enjoying your favorite activity (whether it’s swimming or sunbathing).
Conclusion
Hopefully, you’ve found this list of weekend getaway destinations from Detroit helpful. In this age of information, you should have access to great travel destinations, no matter where you’re from or how much money you have. Enjoy!